Canon has expanded its Digital Ixus and PowerShot ranges, adding models that include two sleek high-end compact cameras, a small unit with a large zoom and the company's first waterproof camera.

Digital Ixus 110 IS and 990 IS

The two new Digital Ixus models are the 110 IS and the 990 IS. The Digital Ixus 110 IS offers a wide-angle zoom lens, wide-aspect LCD and widescreen HD movie shooting, while the Digital Ixus 990 IS has a 5.0x optical zoom, and detailed image review with a three-inch PureColor LCD II screen. Both feature a new Smart Auto mode, which uses Canon’s Scene Detection Technology to automatically choose the right scene mode for you when shooting.

Replacing the Digital Ixus 90 IS and Digital Ixus 970 IS respectively, the Digital Ixus 110 IS and Digital IXUS 990 IS continue the Ixus's heritage great case design. The Digital Ixus 110 IS is available in a choice of gold, silver, pink or blue -- while the Digital IXUS 990 IS features a classic metallic finish (below).

The new Smart Auto mode uses Canon’s Scene Detection Technology to analyse the shooting scene – checking subject brightness, contrast, distance and overall hue. The camera then selects one of 18 possible modes, to ensure the best settings for the scene.

The Digital IXUS 110 IS is available from mid-March and costs around £303 plus VAT. The Digital IXUS 990 IS is available from April for £330 plus VAT.